Four-division champion Juan Manuel Marquez, right, connects to the jaw or Mike Alvarado on his way to a 12-round unanimous decision victory Saturday. / Chris Farina, Top Rank

by Bob Velin, USA TODAY Sports

by Bob Velin, USA TODAY Sports

Looking far younger than his 40 years, Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez outboxed, outpunched and dominated Mike Alvarado in winning a unanimous decision Saturday night in boxing's return to the Los Angeles Forum.

The scene of many great fights from the '80s and '90s, the Forum was hosting Marquez for the 13th time in his career and first since 1999. The Mexico City native has still never lost in the legendary building.

Marquez used his 21 years of professional experience and skills in the ring to consistently land precision punches to Alvarado's head and body. He knocked Alvarado down in the eighth round with an overhand right that dropped the 33-year-old former light welterweight champion from Denver. By the time the final bell sounded, both of Alvarado's eyes were nearly swelled shut and he had a gash under his left eye.

In the ninth round, Alvarado turned the tables and dropped Marquez with a right hand. He almost knocked Marquez down again in the 11th as well, but Marquez, legs wobbling, stayed on his feet. The fight turned into a slugfest over the last three or four rounds as the fighters traded hard shots. Marquez outlanded Alvarado 278-178, and connected on 57% of his power punches.

Two of the judges scored it 117-109 and the other had it 119-108, all for Marquez. The fight was fought at a catchweight of 143 pounds, four under the normal welterweight limit of 147 pounds.

Marquez (56-7-1, 40 KOs), becomes the mandatory challenger to WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao. Marquez has said he is still fighting because he wants to become the first Mexican fighter to win title belts in five weight divisions. He needs a welterweight belt.

"I did expect this kind of fight. I always said Mike Alvarado was worthy and strong," Marquez said. "I wanted to give the public here a gift that dignified this place (the Forum). As I said before age doesn't matter."

On fighting Pacquiao, whom he knocked out in December 2012, for the fifth time, Marquez said, "Any decision I make will be best for my family and all the Mexican fans."

Said Alvarado (34-3, 23 KOs), who has now lost three of his last four fights: "(Marquez) fought a good fight. My hat's off to him. He's a great fighter."